When it comes to construction loan consulting, many banks still operate on a one-off basis, with each individual branch or loan officer hiring whichever local contractor or consulting firm they prefer. This can work fine for small banks, but if your organization’s book of business spans beyond the geographic footprint of a few branches, you’re…

If you’re planning new construction for your business this year, you may want to hire an owner’s representative to protect your interests. Your owner’s rep will be your right hand in keeping your project(s) on budget, on schedule, and at the quality you expect. Be aware, however, that not all owner’s reps are the same….

If you’re planning construction projects this year, you understand the importance of assembling the right team to design and build your new facilities. What you may not have considered is the importance of hiring an owner’s representative to oversee those projects. If you haven’t considered hiring an owner’s rep, or are on the fence about…

When you invest in a commercial property, you should always order a property condition assessment (PCA) as part of your due diligence process. The PCA (also called a “facility condition assessment” or FCA) is the commercial equivalent of the home inspection. Because of the relative complexity and size of the commercial investment, however, it is…

In commercial construction lending, the plan and cost review (PCR) is a standard part of the underwriting process. So standard, that most lenders don’t think much about who provides the PCR or what’s in it, so long as it gets done. That’s a mistake. A thorough, accurate, and expert PCR can prevent costly mistakes, while…

We don’t have to tell you that construction lending is high risk and that the more complex the project, the more risks there are. As part of construction lending due diligence, most institutions require a Plan and Cost Review (PCR). What many lenders don’t know, however, is that not every PCR provider has the expertise…

As we head into the new year, we like to look back to see which of our posts you enjoyed in the previous year, so we can bring you more of what you want. We thought it would be fun for you to see which of our posts were the most popular in 2017. Based…

An exposure assessment is a necessary and important tool for ensuring the health and safety of your workers. But many employers don’t understand exactly what it is, why they need it, or how to do it right. Here’s what you need to know. Definition: An exposure assessment evaluates the nature and magnitude of exposures to…

Hazard Communication Plans (HCPs) are a required, and often overlooked, element of any company’s workplace health and safety plan. Failure to communicate hazards appropriately has steep costs in terms of worker health, both in the short and the long term. Yet in the past year, OSHA has issued more than 5,000 citations for violations of…

Slips, trips, and falls (STFs) are a leading cause of workplace injuries year round, and in winter the dangers increase. Icy sidewalks, frost-heaved walk surfaces, wet entryways, and dark stairwells all contribute to potential STFs. Property owners and employers can both be held liable for injuries that occur on the premises or while working, especially…